When it comes to the environment, I have a big question. Is there intentionality and relationship between a healthy system and someone or something who makes it that way? Is there design behind so many wonderfully functioning natural systems? If so, is it possible to learn and understand this design, (knowledge) and apply this knowledge rightly (wisdom) to benefit the earth? Co-dependent In our zeal for a healthy environment, I wonder if we often cancel out or try to remove an important factor. The human factor. The positive relationship of man with earth, the biblical principal of gratitude, stewardship, and dominion. There may be increasing environmental challenges we face in this fallen world, but elimination of the human factor from the equation is surely not the answer for a better-balanced ecosystem, and neither is severing thousands of years of human dependency on animal products and the natural fruits of the earth. The truth is, we ALL have an important role to play, and monopolizing the food chain, messing with the ages-old symbiotic relationship of man and animal, is only further removing us from the benefits of a grateful and sacrificial relationship with each other and the earth. I believe it is moving us in a dangerous direction. A "Beyond-Dangerous" direction. (You smelling what I'm stepping in?) What is the solution? When was the last time you were told that you matter? That you are precious? Not by a company trying to buy you, but by a human who actually cares? I wonder if our greatest need is a change of heart, a soul-deep, course-altering, worldview that causes us to pause and consider the ethics of every move we make, every penny we spend, and especially, the intrinsic value of human beings. (Rom 12:2) If we are sincere in our belief that every person is imperishable and made in the image of God—and I do believe we are—it matters how we nurture the earth, our bodies, our livestock, and each other. YOU are unfathomably valuable and loved as an individual, imperishable soul. Only when we realize this, can we move on to other ethical and environmental issues. Slow progress = lasting resilience Here at the farm, we wrestle daily with the contrast between get-rich-quick farming and slow legacy building. We are the generation standing in the gap. As we walk the fields and see beautifully rich ag land around us being split into residential areas and bought up at an alarming rate by centralizing, monopolizing entities run by millionaires like Bill Gates, it is quite easy to see two hugely contrasting worldviews. And it is not hard to imagine the multi-generational consequences they will likely have. Put your fields in order, then build your house. Agriculture and human development can either “rape” the land or “regenerate” it. We must be continually testing of our methods and ideas. Instantly gratifying solutions, while tempting, may give one generation stability while exhausting natural resources for the next. This is the case in almost every arena, not just farming! Regenerative farms and homes should build, make resilient, de-centralize, stabilize, and sustain for generations to come. Ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is. The concept of taking barren dirt and transforming it into carbon-capturing, solar energy converting, biodynamic, symbiotic-relationship-fostering soil is—to say the least—challenging. We have so much to learn! But I also cannot think of many professions so thrilling and full of hope! Regenerative agriculture is just a beautiful glimpse of that perfect garden that we were literally made for tending…I do believe, as they say, “It’s in our blood!”
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HELLOI'm Lydia. Mom to one wild barefoot fluffy headed toddler, a herd of cows, flock of sheep, a group of too many chickens and a neglected garden that against all odds, survives. Married to a wonderful husband with an equal number of titles and jobs...Dad, bro, (also as in, "bro, get over here gimme a hug") hydro-electric power plant mechanic, volunteer firefighter, fixer of all things with wheels and engines. (Ya, I'm proud of him.) Farm life, family, coffee, and Jesus make my world go round. Archives
August 2023
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